Defence not a bargaining chip

When she triggered article 50 earlier this year, Theresa May had appeared to threaten defence links if the UK’s trade demands weren’t met.

However, when he launched the UK government’s sixth Brexit position paper, the UK Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon, insisted his country’s offer of ongoing military support wasn’t intended to “blackmail” the EU into giving the UK everything it wanted on trade.

“No it’s not a negotiating tactic, it’s too important for that. We want to be very clear that the day after we leave we continue to work together with the other European countries on security, fighting terrorism”.

Not popular with everyone

The Defence Secretary’s remarks are unlikely to placate eurosceptics at home, who have always worried about the slide towards an EU army. The government needs to think about support from within the UK as it begins its battle to get the first major piece of Brexit legislation through parliament.